The Age of Exploration and Conquest

Why was sea travel difficult before the 1400s?

Poor navigation and fear of the unknown

How did the Renaissance influence exploration?

Encouraged learning and curiosity about the world

How did Marco Polo inspire European explorers?

His stories of China’s wealth made Europeans eager to explore

Why did European merchants want new trade routes?

To access silks and spices without relying on the Silk Road

What event in 1453 disrupted European trade routes?

The Fall of Constantinople, when the Ottoman Empire cut off access to the Silk Road

Why did European rulers support exploration?

They wanted more land, power, and wealth

How did the Pope encourage exploration?

He wanted to spread Christianity and counter the spread of Islam

What were Portolan charts?

Accurate maps showing tides, currents, and coastlines

What tools helped sailors navigate?

Compass (direction), quadrant & astrolabe (latitude), log and line (speed), line and lead weight (depth)

What were the key features of a caravel?

Triangular lateen sails, a lighter hull, a rudder for steering, and a castle for crew quarters

What was a nao?

A larger, stronger version of the caravel

What were living conditions like on ships?

Captains had cabins, but crews slept on deck or in hammocks

What were common punishments for sailors?

Flogging, chains, and execution for mutiny

Why was food a problem on voyages?

Lack of fresh food led to scurvy and typhoid, and starvation was common if voyages took too long

What were the biggest dangers at sea?

Shipwrecks, disease, and fear of sea monsters

Which country led the way in exploration?

Portugal

Who set up a school of navigation in Sagres?

Prince Henry the Navigator

What did Bartolomeu Dias accomplish in 1487?

He reached the Cape of Good Hope (southern tip of Africa)

What did Vasco da Gama achieve in 1497?

He sailed around Africa to Calicut, India, establishing a sea route to Asia

How did Portugal benefit from exploration?

It became wealthy, built an empire in Africa and Asia, and controlled the spice trade

Why did Spain explore westward?

Portugal controlled the African route

Who sponsored Christopher Columbus?

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain

What were Columbus’ three ships?

The Niña, Pinta, and Santa María